Review of Stargate SG1: Volume 34

Introduction

Stargate SG-1 is a US Science Fiction series (still largely populated with Canadians and Macgyver), which spun off from the 1994 film Stargate. A team of Earth scientists and military types have discovered a Stargate, which allows them to travel between planets instantly, through the familiar sci-fi device of a wormhole.

The series has so far been running for 7 seasons, and now follows the escapades of 4 intrepid explorers as they explore new worlds through the Stargate. This DVD contains the third block of 4 episodes from season 7, and here`s what you get:-

Avenger 2.0

This appears to be a follow-on from an earlier episode called The Other Guys. I haven`t seen that one, so can`t comment on it or any other links to this episode. The returning Felger is under pressure to deliver, and creates a virus designed to knock out a stargate. But he`s a bit of a buffoon and makes a mess of it. This is the comedy episode that you often find in a long season of sci-fi and is reasonably amusing, with the daydreaming scenes providing the most light relief.

Birthright

A story about some female Jaffa who meet with our team and ask for help in overthrowing a bunch of Goa`uld who are repressing them. The story concentrates largely on Teal`c (no surprise as it was written by the actor who plays him, Christopher Judge).

The team offer to help by giving the women the chance to remove their dependence on symbiotes and instead use the drug Tretonin to survive. Will they accept? Another story that feels familiar to Star Trek viewers.

Evolution (Parts 1 and 2)

Ah, that sci-fi staple, the 2-parter. Time to roll out a bit story (usually in time for sweeps week in the US) and expand the mythology of the show.

In Stargate terms, this means the discovery of a new super-soldier created by Anubis (the major bad guy of the show). This sets up a pair of stories that weave in and out of the 2 episodes. The first story has Daniel going down to Honduras in search of an ancient artefact. Unsurprisingly some kidnappers cross their path, they get in trouble and might just need rescuing.

The second story has Carter and a team infiltrating Anubis` fortress to find out what`s going on, and to try and disrupt it.

Video

A 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer greets us here, as on earlier discs, and it is excellent all the way through (as with all of the other releases of the series). Colours are good, blacks are black and everything looks just fine.

The show has a reasonable budget which means there`s a good mix of computer generated effects, studio sets and locations. It all looks pretty convincing, and there are some nice looking scenes during Evolution.

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack is on offer here (always a bonus for a TV programme), and it works pretty well. It`s largely based on the front 3 channels, but there are a few good surround effects (atmospheric noises, laser fire etc.) which make there way to the rear speakers. Dialogue is always clean and crisp (even if some of it is alien and not subtitled).

Features

A nice little selection of extras, as featured on all of the other releases of the show. Another instalment in the "SG-1: Director`s Series" brings us some insight into directing an episode (Avenger 2.0), and there`s also "Stargate SG-1: Beyond The Gate" which features an interview with Christopher Judge talking about his 7 years on the show, as well as behind the scenes footage and a golf tournament.

You also get commentaries on each episode featuring various directors, producers, cast and other crew members. If you`re into the show then you`ll want to have a listen to these. Some are more technical, others are more humorous.

To round off we get the photo gallery.

Conclusion

As with previous discs, if you`ve been collecting Stargate SG-1 then you`ll probably want to add this one to your collection. It`s not really something for a casual fan, as if you`re going to have one disc in your collection, then you`ll soon be wanting more. Probably a better place to start than the previous volume, as the episodes here are a little stronger.

It`s an interesting foray into another sci-fi universe even if that universe is quite similar to those that you`ve met in Star Trek and many others. Another enjoyable set of episodes, very well presented on DVD. Once again, good transfer and sound are backed up with some quality extras to give you good value for your money.